Chapter 34: Plot. Why is Pei Ji attracting so many people everywhere?
He Zhiliao looked in the direction of the voice and saw a graceful figure following behind him. The girl was wearing a bright pink dress with a unique and exquisite hairpin in her hair. She swayed with every step and was very beautiful.
It’s Xu Xinran.
Judging from her appearance, she must have just come from the Queen's Palace.
It was not until she came closer that He Zhiliao nodded slightly as a silent greeting, and then prepared to leave.
Xu Xinran called him back, saying softly, "Si Zhengjun and I are old acquaintances. Perhaps there was some misunderstanding before that caused him to distance himself from me, but we are of similar age, and I really want to make friends with him."
These words were spoken with such sincerity that tears even welled up in her beautiful eyes.
He Zhiliao felt inexplicably guilty and suspected that he had misjudged her. This Miss Xu was clearly very sincere, and perhaps he was overthinking it.
He quickly waved his hands and looked at Chunjian helplessly, asking him to speak for him.
Xixin took over the conversation, saying gently, "Our Zhengjun meant that Miss Xu had misunderstood. Miss Xu is a relative of the Empress, and our Zhengjun naturally wants to befriend her. If there's an opportunity in the future, we can meet at Songhexuan."
He Zhiliao: “???”
Didn't I just wave my hand? How could I pass on so much?
But, but that’s not what he meant!
Pei Ji and his subordinates all love to tell lies with their eyes open.
Xu Xinran didn't even glance at Xixin, but looked directly at He Zhiliao. The watery look in her eyes gradually faded, and she smiled and said, "If that's what you said, then I'm relieved."
Xixin smiled and bowed to her.
"I will hang out with Zhengjun more often in the future." Xu Xinran said with a smile.
"That's what I should do. If our Zhengjun has free time, he will definitely accept Miss Xu's invitation." Xixin also smiled like her.
Xu Xinran could hardly maintain the smile on her face. She had originally wanted to facilitate her interactions with He Zhiliao, but this maidservant was actually making excuses and hindering her. It was really hateful.
He Zhiliao also nodded in agreement with Xixin's words. What he said was right. If he didn't have free time, he would naturally not go out.
"Come to think of it, Mr. Zheng seems to have never met with us before. How about meeting with us at the teahouse this afternoon?" Xu Xinran struck while the iron was hot and did not want to let him leave easily.
If you want to make friends, you should seize every opportunity.
Even Xixin didn't expect that she could climb up to this extent, and instead put He Zhiliao in trouble.
He Zhiliao smiled and moved his lips.
Xixin quickly conveyed, "Zhengjun's message is that our wife has been unwell lately and can't leave her alone. It won't be too late to get together when she's better."
"I didn't think it through." Xu Xinran suddenly felt embarrassed. She knew why He Zhile entered the palace, but she had forgotten about it.
If any gossip were to spread, it would probably damage her reputation.
She rolled her eyes and said, "Hearing what Zheng Jun said, I am a little worried about Madam Pei. I wonder if I can go visit her tomorrow?"
Xixin had no say in the matter, so he subconsciously kept silent.
Chun Jian smiled and said, "This is a good thing. If Miss Xu comes, our Zhengjun will open the bed to welcome her."
Xu Xinran's charming face suddenly showed joy, "Then I won't bother you, Mr. Zheng. I will visit you again tomorrow."
He Zhiliao nodded, got into the carriage with the help of Yanhua, and drove away in the blink of an eye.
Chun Jian lifted the small curtain and glanced at the carriage behind. He asked softly, "Master, we don't know what this Miss Xu is up to. Why should we have anything to do with her? Have you forgotten what she forced you to do last time?"
He was talking about how Songhexuan insisted on sitting together.
He Zhiliao shook his head slightly. Of course he remembered that incident, but it was a trivial matter and not worth mentioning.
If you really want to be friends, it won't happen overnight. Just like Song Shiyu and Yan Jingchun, they can meet occasionally when they are free, and they never disturb each other's lives.
Miss Xu's eagerness actually made He Zhiliao curious about what she was trying to do.
"Mr. Zheng, are you trying to lure me into a trap?" Xixin asked softly.
Ah. He Zhiliao smiled.
One must first know her intentions in order to prescribe the right remedy. If she really just wants to be on good terms with him, it is because of his mean-spirited nature, and he will naturally apologize sincerely.
The carriage drove back to Pei's house steadily, and the driver immediately took out a small stool to make it easier for him to get off the carriage.
When Pei Ji was not attending court, he would practice boxing and martial arts at home. In his spare time, he would practice He Zhiliao's beautiful calligraphy, which was particularly torturous.
Just like his people.
"Master, Zhengjun is back."
Pei Ji immediately stood up and hurried outside. As soon as he reached the corridor, he saw the little mute walking towards him with brisk steps.
"Sweetheart." He chuckled.
He Zhiliao smiled with his eyes curved. Every time he heard these words, he felt numb all over and very uncomfortable, but he really loved hearing them.
Pei Ji walked over and took his hand. "Did anything happen in the palace today? How is your elder sister? Is she feeling unwell?"
He Zhiliao looked at Chunjian, who immediately told him everything that happened today. However, when it came to leaving the palace, he hesitated whether to also tell him about Miss Xu.
Pei Ji saw through his hesitation at a glance, but since He Zhiliao didn't say anything, he pretended not to know. The person was right in front of him, so how could he run off to play somewhere else?
"You were called into the palace by your elder sister today, so naturally you don't have to go to see the Queen. I don't think she would dare to call you to find fault with you again." Pei Ji took him into the house, "The kitchen made an ice bowl with the flavor you like."
[Ah, yes.] He Zhiliao nodded.
The sweet white jade porcelain bowl has a crystal-clear jade body, and is filled with crystal clear soft and glutinous jelly, topped with brown sugar water and osmanthus syrup, sprinkled with small pieces of fruit, and dotted with a few small osmanthus flowers.
He stirred it all up with a spoon, the honey melted into the ice jelly, and the brown sugar turned the soup red. He took a big sip comfortably, and when he looked up, he met Pei Ji's somewhat resentful eyes.
He had specifically instructed the kitchen to make this, even the presentation of the dish was his instruction, and it was all mixed up with just one spoon.
He Zhiliao looked at him blankly, scooped up a full spoonful of grape flesh, piled on the spoon, and tremblingly handed it to Pei Ji's lips.
Ah~
Pei Ji opened his mouth very cooperatively, and He Zhiliao immediately stuffed a spoonful into his mouth. He chewed it with great effort, feeling a bit amused and helpless.
"Um... darling, are you trying to choke me to death?" Pei Ji said chewingly. Seeing his dazed expression, he smiled and pinched his cheek, "Good boy."
He Zhiliao pursed his lips and smiled.
After taking a short rest in the main courtyard, he went to the East Garden to talk to Qin Yurong, telling her about Rong Fei's situation in the palace and the matter of the ginseng supplements.
Qin Yurong patted his hands and said, "Good boy, your sister loves you. Take all those purple ginseng supplements. We don't need them at home. Let the kitchen make soup for you."
He Zhiliao nodded slightly. He now knew how wealthy the Pei family was and how they had all the rare things they wanted. If he acted too petty, he would inevitably be unpopular.
"Okay, I'm sick here, so I don't want to infect you. Let's go back to the yard and rest with Yunzhou." Qin Yurong said. She really didn't need any service.
He Zhiliao panicked and shook his head repeatedly. He was not afraid of illness. Taking care of the sick was a common thing. He was the son-in-law of the Pei family, and these were things he should do.
"No problem, go ahead."
Seeing that she didn't seem to be saying anything to refuse, He Zhiliao didn't want to continue disturbing her and quietly retreated. After just two steps, he thought of Xu Xinran again and wanted to know what his mother would do.
After Qin Yurong heard Chun Jian's explanation of the whole story, she couldn't help but sigh when she saw that Xiao Zhiliao still looked confused and distressed.
Damn the He family, they raised their child to be too pure.
After hearing just these two sentences, she knew what Xu Xinran was planning, but little Zhiliao was still so stupid.
Even if he is taught how to deal with relationships with others, more complicated things cannot be taught, and he can only try to solve them on his own.
"If she comes tomorrow, just entertain her. Just don't bring her to me. Just say I don't see guests." Qin Yurong said. Anyway, Xu Xinran didn't really want to see her. "By the way, Yun Zhou seems to be free tomorrow, right?"
He Zhiliao nodded and said that Pei Ji had nothing to do recently.
Qin Yurong smiled and said, "Then remember to entertain the guests tomorrow."
【ah……】
He Zhiliao responded hesitantly, not quite understanding why his mother not only didn't tell him what to do but actually sent him away like that after he had clearly asked her.
Do you think he is stupid?
After returning to the main courtyard, He Zhiliao was still a little confused and depressed. No matter how Pei Ji asked him, he was too embarrassed to say anything. What if even he thought he was stupid?
He Zhiliao didn't come into contact with many people, so he couldn't figure out what Xu Xinran wanted at this moment. But judging from his mother's reaction, she definitely didn't just want to be friends with him.
However, he did not bother thinking about these things. He would know after Miss Xu came home. Besides, it was not certain whether she would come or not.
But in reality, He Zhiliao was underestimating it.
Xu Xinran arrived at the gate of Pei Mansion in the morning. The servants behind him were holding several brocade boxes, which looked particularly grand.
He Zhiliao hurried to the front yard to receive her.
"Zhengjun, I'm not being too abrupt, am I?" Xu Xinran walked up to him leisurely. "I learned that my aunt was ill, so I brought some ginseng with me. I hope she gets better soon. I also brought some tea that my aunt gave me for my uncle and the young masters."
He Zhiliao smiled, and Chun Jian immediately stepped forward to take these things and handed them to the servants behind him. Whether to keep these things or not was another matter, and there was no need to put them in the warehouse for the time being.
“Thank you very much,” He Zhiliao said, inviting her to sit down.
Xu Xinran was stunned, then smiled. "Why are you being so polite to me? Is it convenient for me to go see my aunt? Where are the other people in the family? Did I come at an inopportune time and cause you trouble?"
"Miss Xu, our lady has taken the medicine and gone to bed, and the young masters are all in their respective courtyards." Chun Jian said.
"I see." Xu Xinran suddenly realized, "That's good. I thought I came at a bad time. I'm glad you don't dislike me."
He Zhiliao shook his head slightly. How could that be?
This is not the way the Pei family treats guests.
Xu Xinran took a sip of tea and lowered her eyes, thinking about what to say next.
"My dear—"
The lazy voice came from far away, carrying endless tenderness and intimacy. If you listen carefully, you can also hear the deep-hidden dependence.
Pei Ji was holding a bowl of purple ginseng chicken soup. He looked for the little mute in the back but couldn't see anyone. He walked to the front yard and found that there were guests there.
He glanced at him indifferently and walked straight towards He Zhiliao.
"I've just made some ginseng soup in the kitchen. Try it and see if it tastes good. I've skimmed off the oil on top." Pei Ji placed it on his table. "Drink it before serving the guests."
He Zhiliao nodded slightly. The chicken soup looked light, but it tasted extremely delicious. After taking a sip, he almost wanted his eyebrows to fall off because of the deliciousness.
His eyes widened instantly and he looked at Pei Ji in surprise. It tastes delicious!
"I stewed it with Qiuli. If it tastes good, drink an extra bowl." Pei Ji wanted to raise his hand to pinch his face, but because there were outsiders around, he had to restrain even such an intimate gesture. He couldn't help but feel a little dissatisfied, "Miss Xu is here too. You've been away for so long. Your family must be worried."
He Zhiliao frowned slightly and tugged at his sleeve in panic. How could he treat a guest like this?
Xu Xinran stood up and saluted him, seemingly unaware of the sting in his words. She said, "I informed my family before leaving. I'm sorry, Fourth Young Master, I'm worried. It's really Xinran's fault. I brought some tea leaves with me. Fourth Young Master, please try them. They were given by my aunt to my grandfather. He specifically asked me to bring them to you before I came."
"My family doesn't need this drink." Pei Ji didn't even look at it, and turned to give He Zhi a few words of advice.
Seeing him look away, Xu Xinran quickly spoke again, "Does the Fourth Young Master dislike tea? If I had known this, I should have brought my grandfather's collection of fine wine. Today's trip has been in vain. It's really Xinran's fault."
These words were spoken with sincerity and a gentleness that was inherently soft and gentle.
If it were someone else, they might be more humble, but the person in front of her was the reborn Pei Ji, a Pei Ji who only had He Zhiliao in his eyes, so naturally he would not pay attention to her.
Seeing her pair of clear autumn eyes staring at Pei Ji in circles, He Zhi realized belatedly that something was wrong.
His expression became increasingly ugly and sad.
I had guessed long ago that she didn't want to be friends with him, but I never expected that she was attracted to Pei Ji.
Why are you here to snatch his husband from him again?
How could Pei Ji do this...
"Why are you suddenly unhappy?" Pei Ji laughed, "You entertain the guests first, and I'll coax you later."
"Fourth Young Master——"
"You're annoying." Pei Ji tilted his head and frowned at her. "Since you're here to visit, you've seen enough. It's time for Miss Xu to leave."
Xu Xinran seemed to have not expected him to say that. Her pretty face suddenly showed helplessness and sadness, and her eyes were already filled with tears, and she was about to cry.
He Zhiliao's heart skipped a beat, and his nose felt sore.
If Pei Ji had not changed, he would have been the one to bear his harsh words. He felt fortunate for this, but he could do nothing about his attitude.
【ah……】
Don't be angry.
Pei Ji turned around and smiled at him, "It's okay, I'll wait for you in the back. You need to finish the chicken soup, it's still drying in the small kitchen."
【ah. 】
knew.
Pei Ji walked away without even glancing at Xu Xinran.
He Zhi said word by word.
"Are you happy?" Xu Xinran lowered her eyes to hide the jealousy and resentment in them.
Why should she be treated like this? How is she worse than this mute?
It's really ridiculous.
He Zhiliao frowned. This statement was nonsensical and particularly offensive.
"I'm sorry to bother you here today. I've been out for quite some time. It's time to go home. Please stay. There's no need to see me off." After saying this, Xu Xinran left with her maid and servants.
He Zhiliao signaled Chunjian to go and see him off, and to show due courtesy.
After seeing the guests off, he gradually began to feel unhappy and even a little angry.
Why is everyone staring at Pei Ji?
Why is Pei Ji attracting so many attention?
So angry.
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The author has something to say: Little Cicada: I’m angry! [Poor]
Need nutrient solution to coax [haha laugh][haha laugh][haha laugh]
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